Building frame bracing panel and method

ABSTRACT

A corner of a timber building frame ( 10 ) having spaced studs ( 11 ), top plates ( 12 ) and bottom plates ( 13 ). Bottom plates ( 13 ) are located in this case on an on-ground slab ( 14 ), noggings ( 15 ) retain the studs ( 11 ) in their proper spaced relation. To prevent the frames from moving in response to wind while the frame is under construction and also afterwards to resist movement in the event of earthquakes or high winds, bracing panels ( 16 ) comprise an elongated panel dimensioned for location between adjacent vertical studs ( 11 ) and between the top and bottom plates ( 12 and ( 13 ), each panel has opposed ends ( 17  and  18 ) and opposed sides ( 19  and  20 ) and an intermediate portion between the sides shown generally at ( 21 ), the intermediate portion includes diamond shaped strengthening sections ( 22 ) displaced laterally out of the plane of the panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to a building frame bracing panel as a single panel or assembly and in particular but not limited to a wall frame bracing panel for holding framing vertical against wind forces during housing frame construction and afterwards against earthquakes and high winds.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Australian patent 715517 describes structural bracing for buildings where a rectangular welded together zig-zag braced frame may be simply inserted and secured between studs in a building frame to support the frame against shear loading as may arise during construction and thereafter during earthquakes or high winds.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,950 describes a similar arrangement whereby a rectangular frame is divided evenly into three rectangular sections by two parallel frame members and braced by a single diagonal brace. As for 715517 the prefabricated frame fits between studs. The two braces differ in their particular construction but still operate on the same principle of an insert frame that is positioned between existing studs.

[0004] WO 97/05343 describes a brace assembled from a panel and slotted upper and lower rails. The rails are first secured in place and then the panel is secured to the rails by fitting the panel edge into the slots in the rails. Unlike the arrangements of 715517 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,729,950 this brace must be built in-situ and therefore lacks the advantage of being inserted into the frame as a unit.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a brace and method of bracing that also utilises the existing building frame and insertion of a brace into the frame but using an alternative bracing construction employing a deformed sheet of material as the major element comprising the brace.

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect the invention resides in method for bracing a rectangular building frame during construction comprising the steps of

[0007] (a) providing a preformed brace having a major portion of the brace made from a deformed sheet of material providing the primary bracing function and being deformed in at least two directions;

[0008] (b) inserting the brace between frame members in a building frame; and

[0009] (c) securing the frame to the frame members at least at opposite ends.

[0010] In another aspect there is provided building frame bracing panel assembly comprising a major portion thereof as a deformed sheet material providing the primary bracing function and being deformed in at least two directions, the panel assembly being dimensioned for location between frame members in a building frame, the frame members forming a rectangular building frame, the panel assembly having opposed ends, opposed sides and an intermediate portion between the sides, the intermediate portion including strengthening sections of said sheet material displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel, marginal sections of said sheet material being displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel to serve as anchor regions whereby said sheet may be secured in operative bracing position relative to said frame members.

[0011] In another aspect the present invention resides in a building frame bracing panel comprising an elongate panel dimensioned for location between frame members such as vertical studs in a wall frame, the studs extending between upper and lower plates of building wall frame, the panel having opposed ends, opposed sides and an intermediate portion between the sides, the intermediate portion preferably including strengthening sections displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel, the opposed ends having framing attachment means comprising marginal sections of said panel displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel so the panel can be secured to the upper and lower plates of said framing. Preferably, the opposed sides also have framing attachment means comprising marginal sections of said panel displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel so the panel can be secured to the studs of said framing.

[0012] The panel can be utilised between any framing members where it is desirable to retain frame members in a predetermined position against overloading. For example in a wall frame, between adjacent roofing trusses and so on.

[0013] The panel can be made from folded or pressed sheet metal or can be made from plastics in which case it is typically moulded as one piece.

[0014] A single panel can be employed between studs but in some circumstances where greater loading is anticipated more than one panel can be employed between adjacent studs to cater for the additional loading. For example, a double panel formed as a single unit may be used or two or more separate single panels may be used. The double panel may be formed from separate overlayed single panels or from a double skin as may be made from a single folded metal sheet.

[0015] The opposed ends are typically in their simplest form overlapping flanges forming boxed corners creating strength at the corners by overlapping, the corners having holes for bolts or other suitable fasteners. The boxed corners serve as the attachment means to the upper and lower rails of the frame upon fasteners passing through the overlapping flanges. Typically the opposed sides comprise flanges so that the whole panel is formed with an open box-like configuration. As an alternative the opposed sides can be sandwiched or otherwise secured to the respective studs before the studs are installed. For example the panel and studs might be installed into the framing as a modular unit rather than the studs being installed first. In this embodiment the whole unit can be secured in position between the plates.

[0016] The intermediate portion typically includes spaced polygonal geometric shaped strengthening deformations such as diamond shaped deformations. The strengthening deformations are typically spaced evenly along the panel. Each deformation typically includes an aperture that serves as a handle. Apertures may also be provided for services.

[0017] In the case of a double panel, the double panel is typically generally dumbbell shaped in transverse section, with hollow side rails.

[0018] In another embodiment the panel assembly comprises spaced panels having opposed rails and openings formed in at least one of the panels by cutting and folding the sheet material of the panel and the cut and folded sheet material being secured to the other panel.

[0019] In another embodiment the panel assembly comprises spaced rails and the deformed sheet bridges between and is coupled to the rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and be put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments and wherein:

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing illustrating a wall frame employing bracing panels according to the present invention;

[0022]FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are plan, side and end views of a typical bracing panel;

[0023]FIG. 3 is a cutaway perspective view of a typical bracing panel embodying the principles of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 4 is a cut away perspective view illustrating a typical double bracing panel according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 5 is a section through the panel of FIG. 4;

[0026]FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an upper corner of a typical panel showing the panel secured to a top plate;

[0027]FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but illustrating a bottom corner of a typical bracing panel secured to a bottom plate and to a concrete slab;

[0028]FIG. 8 is a drawing illustrating deformation of an edge of the panel for the purposes of securing the panel to a stud using a nail.

[0029]FIGS. 9 and 10 are side and end views illustrating an alternative embodiment employing a moulded plastic or fibre reinforced panel;

[0030]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the panel according to FIGS. 9 and 10 showing a typical corner construction and how the panel would be secured to top and bottom plates, the bottom plate being illustrated in FIG. 12;

[0031]FIG. 13 is a part side view illustrating a further embodiment employing additional brackets;

[0032]FIG. 14 is a section through a panel according to another embodiment of the invention;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a part view illustrating an embodiment folded interconnections between spaced sheets; and

[0034]FIG. 16 is a part view illustrating a still further embodiment where deformed sheet is connected between spaced rails.

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE

[0035] Referring to the drawings and initially to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a corner of a timber building frame 10 having spaced studs 11, top plates 12 and bottom plates 13. Bottom plates 13 are located in this case on an on-ground slab 14, noggings 15 retain the studs 11 in their proper spaced relation. To prevent the frames from moving in response to wind while the frame is under construction and also afterwards to resist movement in the event of earthquake or high winds, bracing panels 16 according to the present invention are employed between the two sets of end studs in each direction as shown so that the bracing is effective in two directions, additional panels can be used between other studs and this. is illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1. The bracing panels 16 comprise an elongated panel dimensioned for location between adjacent vertical studs 11 and between the top and bottom plates 12 and 13, each panel has opposed ends 17 and 18 and opposed sides 19 and 20 and an intermediate portion between the sides shown generally at 21, the intermediate portion includes diamond shaped strengthening sections 22, in this case four employed, which are displaced laterally out of the plane of the panel. In the illustrated embodiment, metal straps 23 and 24 extend around the panels to give added strength to the corner tying the two panels together. Each panel 16 is of box-like construction having side and end flanges (to be described)and is secured to the upper and lower plates using bolts and to the studs 11 using nails or other fasteners. It will be appreciated that the bracing function accomplished by the use of the deformed sheet does not essentially require fastening to the studs 11.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, for this particular embodiment the panel 16 will be described in more detail. As can be seen the sides 19 and 20 include flanges 25 and 26 and return flanges 27 and 28. The opposed ends are illustrated at 17 it being appreciated that the end 18 is of similar construction. End 17 shows the use of overlapping flanges 29 and 30, flange 30 on the left hand side of FIG. 3 being shown in its pre-folded position and its folded position in phantom for the purpose of illustration only. The overlapping flanges 29 and 30 include bolt holes 31 so that the panel can be fastened to the bottom plate. The opposite end 18 is of similar construction so the panel is open box-like. Holes to enable fasteners for the sides are at 32, holes for services at 33 and fasteners formed by cutting and folding part of the side flange and that can be simply hammered in place are illustrated at 34. The flanges 26 and return flange 28 include a channel at 35 and an aperture at 36 to assist locating the straps such as the straps 23 and 24 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is also the case in the ends 17,18 at 37 and 38, that if required a strap can be utilised around the top and bottom plates.

[0037] An alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 4, in this case folded from a single sheet is a double panel 40 which includes ribbed side rails 41 and 42 so that the panelling section is substantially dumbbell shaped, intermediate portions as before retain the strengthening sections 22 but one of the sections has a push through tab 43 so that the two panels can be simply locked together using this push through tab appropriately passing through the other panel and being folded back. Any other method may be employed to couple the two panels together. Apertures at 44 and 45 allow access to the fastening points at the overlapping flange construction at 46. One of the flanges 47 is illustrated in its pre-folded position. Apertures are provided for services at 48 and 49. The panels are pressed at 50 for the purpose of fastening using nails. The double panel can accommodate straps as in the previous embodiments.

[0038] Typical fastening arrangements as previously described are illustrated in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8.

[0039]FIGS. 9, 10 (hidden detail being incomplete), 11 and 12 illustrate a panel 51 moulded from plastics with strengthening ridges 52 and strengthened corners 53. Holes 54 are used to secure the panel to studs, while holes 55 are used to secure the panel to upper and lower plates. The strengthening ridges 52 may be of any selected design it being realised that the moulded panel is formed by a displacement of the moulding material out of the plane of the panel consequently is a deformation process as opposed to a fabrication process.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 13 panel 6 is further supplemented by brackets 56 which are bolted through the studs 57 and bottom plate 58. The brackets can be employed top and bottom.

[0041]FIG. 14 is a section through another embodiment being a module 59 where studs 60 are in two parts 61 and 62 with a panel 63 sandwiched in between.

[0042]FIG. 15 illustrates a brace assembly 64 where one or two sheets are deformed to form opposed panels 65 and 66 and ribbed rails 67 and 68 also formed from the sheet material. The panel 65 has been cut with an H-shaped cut and flanges 69 and 70 are then folded along fold lines 71 and 72, return flanges at 73 and 74 are used to fasten the folded flanges to the other panel 66. Only part of the assembly is shown but this is repeated along the panel at spaced apart locations. The lower corners 75 and 76 are boxed in as previously described, with holes passing through the overlapping layers at 77 and 78. An access opening 79 to holes 77 and 78 is cut out at the bottom of the assembly and flanges 80 and 81 fasten the cut out section to the opposite panel 66. The top of the assembly (not shown) is configured the same as the bottom.

[0043]FIG. 16 illustrates another brace assembly 82, in this case employing a deformed sheet 83 fastened via flanges 84 and 85 to respective C-channel rails 86 and 87. The rails 86, 87 are boxed at opposite ends and have fastener holes at each boxed end.

[0044] Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the present invention many variations and modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as herein set forth.

[0045] For example, the invention can be used in many and varied application including frame bracing to assist overloading in case of earthquake, addition of upper levels during renovation or extensions, to strengthen existing walls by insertion of a panel into the existing wall structure, and so on. 

1. A building frame bracing panel assembly comprising a major portion thereof as a deformed sheet material providing the primary bracing function and being deformed in at least two directions, the panel assembly being dimensioned for location between frame members in a building frame, the frame members forming a rectangular building frame, the panel assembly having opposed ends, opposed sides and an intermediate portion between the sides, the intermediate portion including strengthening sections of said sheet material displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel, marginal sections of said opposed ends of said sheet material being displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel to serve as anchor regions whereby said bracing panel assembly may be secured in operative bracing position relative to said frame members.
 2. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the opposed sides have framing attachment means comprising marginal sections of said sheet displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel so the panel can be secured to opposite frame members of said framing.
 3. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the panel assembly is made from folded or pressed sheet material.
 4. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the panel assembly is moulded as one piece.
 5. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein a single deformed sheet is employed between the frame members.
 6. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein a double sheet is formed as a single unit between the frame members.
 7. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein two or more separate single sheets are employed between the frame members.
 8. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the panel assembly comprises a double panel formed as a single unit between the frame members, the double panel being formed from separate overlayed single deformed sheets.
 9. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the panel comprises a double panel formed as a single unit employed between the frame members, the double panel being formed from a double skin made from a single deformed sheet.
 10. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the opposed ends are overlapping flanges forming boxed corners creating strength at the corners by the overlapping, the corners having holes for suitable fasteners.
 11. A bracing panel according to claim 1 wherein the opposed ends are overlapping flanges forming boxed corners, the boxed corners serve as the attachment means to the upper and lower rails of the frame upon fasteners passing through the overlapping flanges.
 12. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the opposed sides have framing attachment means comprising marginal sections of said panel displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel so the panel can be secured to opposite frame members of said framing, the opposed sides comprise flanges.
 13. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the opposed ends are overlapping flanges forming boxed corners, the opposed sides comprise flanges so that the whole panel assembly is formed with an open box-like configuration.
 14. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the opposed sides are sandwiched or otherwise secured to the respective frame members before the frame members are installed.
 15. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein panel and opposite frame members are installed into framing as a modular unit secured in position between the other opposed frame members making up said rectangular frame.
 16. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate portion includes spaced closed polygonal shaped strengthening deformations.
 17. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate portion includes spaced closed polygonal shaped strengthening deformations, the strengthening deformations being spaced evenly along the panel.
 18. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the intermediate portion includes strengthening deformations being spaced evenly along the panel, at least some of said deformations include an aperture.
 19. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the panel comprises a double sheet, the panel being generally dumbbell shaped in transverse section, with hollow side rails.
 20. A method for bracing a rectangular building frame during construction and in the completed structure comprising the steps of (a) providing a preformed brace having a major portion of the brace made from a deformed sheet of material providing the primary bracing function and being deformed in at least two directions; (b) inserting the brace between frame members in a building frame; and (c) securing the brace to the frame members at least at opposite ends of the brace in accordance with predicted shear.
 21. A method for bracing a rectangular building frame during construction and in the completed structure comprising the steps of (a) providing a preformed brace having a major portion of the brace made from a deformed sheet of material providing the primary bracing function and being deformed in at least two directions; (b) inserting the brace between frame members in a building frame; and (c) securing the brace to the frame members at least at opposite ends of the brace in accordance with predicted shear and wherein: the preformed brace comprises a building frame bracing panel assembly having opposed ends, opposed sides and an intermediate portion between the sides, the intermediate portion including strengthening sections of said sheet material displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel, marginal sections of said sheet material being displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel to serve as anchor regions whereby said sheet may be secured in operative bracing position relative to said frame members.
 22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the opposed sides have framing attachment means comprising marginal sections of said sheet displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel so the panel can be secured to opposite frame members of said framing.
 23. The method according to claim 21 wherein the panel assembly is made from folded or pressed sheet material.
 24. The method according to claim 21 wherein the panel assembly is moulded as one piece.
 25. The method according to claim 21 wherein a single deformed sheet is employed between the frame members.
 26. The method according to claim 21 wherein a double sheet is formed as a single unit between the frame members.
 27. The method according to claim 21 wherein two or more separate single sheets are employed between the frame members.
 28. The method according to claim 21 wherein the panel assembly comprises a double panel formed as a single unit between the frame members, the double panel being formed from separate overlayed single deformed sheets.
 29. The method according to claim 21 wherein the panel comprises a double panel formed as a single unit employed between the frame members, the double panel being formed from a double skin made from a single deformed sheet.
 30. The method according to claim 21 wherein the opposed ends are overlapping flanges forming boxed corners creating strength at the corners by the overlapping, the corners having holes for suitable fasteners.
 31. The method according to claim 21 wherein the opposed ends are overlapping flanges forming boxed corners, the boxed corners serve as the attachment means to the upper and lower rails of the frame upon fasteners passing through the overlapping flanges.
 32. The method according to claim 21 wherein the opposed sides have framing attachment means comprising marginal sections of said panel displaced laterally out of the plane of said panel so the panel can be secured to opposite frame members of said framing, the opposed sides comprise flanges.
 33. The method according to claim 21 wherein the opposed ends are overlapping flanges forming boxed corners, the opposed sides comprise flanges so that the whole panel assembly is formed with an open box-like configuration.
 34. The method according to claim 21 wherein the opposed sides are sandwiched or otherwise secured to the respective frame members before the frame members are installed.
 35. The method according to claim 21 wherein panel and opposite frame members are installed into framing as a modular unit secured in position between the other opposed frame members making up said rectangular frame.
 36. The method according to claim 21 wherein the intermediate portion includes spaced diamond shaped strengthening deformations.
 37. The method according to claim 21 wherein the intermediate portion includes spaced diamond shaped strengthening deformations, the strengthening deformations being spaced evenly along the panel.
 38. The method according to claim 21 wherein the intermediate portion includes strengthening deformations being spaced evenly along the panel, at least some of said deformations including an aperture that serves as a handle.
 39. The method according to claim 21 wherein the panel comprises a double sheet, the panel being generally dumbbell shaped in transverse section, with hollow side rails.
 40. The method according to claim 20 including the additional step of bracing adjacent building frames using a preformed-bracing panel for each frame, each preformed bracing panel comprising a brace having a major portion of the brace made from a deformed sheet of material having deformations in at least two directions.
 41. The panel assembly according to claim 1 comprising spaced panels having opposed rails and openings formed in at least one of the panels by cutting and folding the sheet material of the panel, the cut and folded sheet material being secured to the other panel.
 42. The panel assembly according to claim 1 comprising spaced rails and the deformed sheet bridges between and is coupled to the rails.
 43. The method according to claim 21 wherein the brace comprises spaced panels having opposed rails and openings formed in at least one of the panels by cutting and folding the sheet material of the panel, the cut and folded sheet material being secured to the other panel.
 44. The method according to claim 21 wherein the brace comprises spaced rails and the deformed sheet bridges between and is coupled to the rails.
 45. A bracing panel assembly according to claim 1 wherein the assembly is formed as a completed bracing unit able to be inserted into a building frame.
 46. The method according to claim 21 wherein the brace is formed as a completed bracing unit able to be inserted into the building frame. 